BSkyB takeover

The consultation on Rupert Murdoch's bid to takeover BSkyB comes to a close today.

The media mogul's attempt to acquire a majority stake in the broadcaster will likely see the green light after the culture secretary Jeremy Hunt forged a deal where News Corporation would spin-off Sky News to avoid being referred to the Competition Commission.

But a YouGov survey, commissioned by campaign group Avaaz, found overwhelming opposition to the deal - only five per cent of respondents supported the merger.

A further 60% thought Mr Murdoch had too much influence over British politics, while 64% believed the merger would give News Corp too much power over the media.

The merger was originally under the purview of business secretary Vince Cable, but following an embarrassing sting operation - where he told undercover Daily Telegraph reporters that had "declared war on Murdoch" - the responsibility was passed to Mr Hunt who has taken a more favourable attitude.